Brian Kelly excited to hit links at Zurich Classic before LSU’s Purple and Gold spring game

LSU football coach Brian Kelly arrived at the TPC Louisiana course with a game plan on Monday.

Scheduled to play in the Zurich Classic Pro-Am with PGA Tour pro and former LSU standout Ben Taylor, Kelly knew the key to a successful round.

“I’m going to try to be with Ben Taylor as much as I can,” Kelly said. “I want to pick his brain and learn as much as I can. 

Before teeing off, Kelly presented Taylor with a white No. 15 LSU football jersey to commemorate the 2015 NCAA golf championship Taylor helped the Tigers win.

Kelly wanted to play in the pro-am last year but couldn’t work it into his busy schedule during his first season at the help in Baton Rouge.

He was able to squeeze in the round on Monday before the Tigers’ prep work intensifies later this week ahead of Saturday’s spring game in Tiger Stadium.

“Hey, I’m playing golf and not working, so I can’t complain,” Kelly quipped. “It’s going to be a fun day.”

The spring game will be less of a game than a modified scrimmage because of the team’s limited numbers on the offensive line, Kelly said.

LSU is expected to dress only nine scholarship offensive linemen on Saturday. Consequently, the scrimmage will feature more scripted drills in the red zone and special teams than it did a year ago.

Still, Kelly said he is eager to see how the new freshmen and transfers compete in game-like conditions, particular at the running back, cornerback and safety positions.

“Obviously, everybody wants to talk about the quarterback situation, but I feel pretty good about both of our quarterbacks, but I’m really more interested in some of our new players on defense, the cornerback position,” Kelly said. “We’re playing some young guys at safety and on the defensive line. I think it’s getting those guys established on the defensive side of the ball.

“You’re going to see some young players on the offensive side of the ball, in particular the running back position. There’s not a lot of depth there. So getting a chance to see a guy like (freshman) Trey Holly play a lot of football for us. He’s really had a nice spring.